Child Friendly Leeds

Leeds has just celebrated 10 years of being a child friendly city with His Majesty the King in attendance to mark the occasion. There are several partners across Leeds working together to create better outcomes for children and young people in Leeds. The Child Friendly Leeds team are responsible for coordinating some of the key work strands that support our citywide ambition to be Child Friendly Leeds. These include communications, events, ambassador engagement, play and enrichment activities and opportunities. They work in partnership with teams and organisations across the city, helping develop connections and partnerships that contribute
towards the outcomes of the Leeds children and young people’s plan and Child Friendly Leeds Wishes.

One of the wishes the child friendly team have, is that children have safe spaces to play, hang out and have fun. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) states that children have the right to have rest and leisure, including playing and recreational activities. Play is a vital part of healthy development for children and something we have identified at Inspirations too.

Stay in the loop this Christmas

The Child friendly team create a ‘Families’ catalogue every few months to showcase everything that’s going on in Leeds for those months. Included is an educational section, festive events, local news and even Christmas food ideas in November/December.  Follow the link below to see this seasons addition and why not sign up to receive your free copy.

https://issuu.com/familiesonline/docs/fleedsnd23print

Ice Rink at White Rose centre– One I am very excited about is the ice rink opening at the White Rose centre, where they are advertising parent and toddler or quiet sessions. Ice skating is quite an adventurous sport; it requires focus, dedication, and discipline. It also helps with developing concentration skills, as well as being a good leg strengthening workout.
Christmas Markets– You may have seen the Christmas markets are spread across the city this year. Traditional Christmas Markets will be making use of different spaces in the city, which includes the annual market at
Millennium square where they will be hosting ‘winter magic’ from 24th November – 31st December. Expect another ice rink, Bavarian style market stalls and a children’s festive themed funfair featuring the ‘30 metre high Starflyer’ and illuminated wheel of Light. The markets will be open:
Monday to Wednesday 10am-7pm
Thursdays to Saturday- 10am- 9pm
Sundays- 10-6pm

Nutcracker Trail- As part of the Christmas markets, Leeds are hosting a ‘Nutcracker Trail’. You can collect your trail map from the Leeds Christmas markets office located in the corn exchange Christmas chalets. Locate
the nutcrackers around Leeds to be in with the chance of winning a voucher! Can you find them all to and solve the magic Christmas word?

Theatre– Between the Carriage Works and the Playhouse there are some lovely productions showing at the theatres; one of which our preschoolers are going to on the 18th December.

https://leeds-list.com/culture/the-pantomimes-christmas-shows-in-leeds-you-wont-want-to-miss/

Horsforth Christmas Lights Switch on is happening this Saturday 2nd December at 5pm, with choirs, live music, dj’s and markets from 12pm- 7pm

The Farsley Christmas lights switch on is happening tomorrow night, Wednesday 29th. For other festive markets and choirs here’s the link-
https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/winter-season/christmas-markets/

Of course, there’s also the big man himself that everyone wants to see. He will be located at lots of different places across Leeds, that may require booking, please check first. There is an opportunity to write to him to let him know your wishes for this year. You can send your letter to arrive by 30th November to:

Santa,

Santa’s Grotto,

Reindeerland,

XM4 5HQ.

Make sure you include your name and address inside and remember a stamp on your envelope to ensure it gets to him and Santa should reply!

For the adults, there are also festive brunch ideas and lists where all the festive food and drinks are. Including the tipis which will provide the ‘best hot chocolates’ and cosiest spot by the fire under shelter.

Let us know what you get up to by adding to your child’s tapestry journals! The children love sharing this with their friends and the adults at nursery. The older children can tell us more about their always experiences and are really excited to show us what they get up to when they have that quality time with family.

-Kayleigh